The Classification Essay

Classification = Division
 Writing a classification essay means dividing
members of a group.

 The members in a class must share similar

characteristics.

 When classifying, you need a principle of

classification.
The Basis of Division

 For example, we can divide the

category “cell phones” into the
following:

– Sizes
1. Small sized cell phones
2. Average sized cell phones
3. Large sized cell phones
Don’t Mix Principles!

 It’s confusing to have overlapping

bases for classification.

– For example, if you’re characterizing cell phones

by size, don’t include classes such as
“expensive” or “nice looking.”

– Stay within the three categories you are

classifying!
Find the out-of-place item

1. Autos: SUV, pickup, economy

2. Transport: land, train, air, water
3. Rivers: dangerous, short, wide
4. Drugs: uppers, illegal, downers
5. Colleges: private, famous, public
6. Courses: year-long, half-term, math
7. Housing: rooms, cheap, apartments
Types of Classification

 Two of the most common types of

classification are

1. By degree, from lower to higher

2. By chronology, in time periods

Classifying by Degree

 To classify on the basis of degree

means to judge value.

– Good (C grades are good)

– Better (B grades are better)
– Best (A grades are best)
Classifying by Degree

 Another way to classify on the basis of

degree would be as follows:

– Small (small size cars)

– Medium (medium size cars)
– Large (large size cars)
Classifying by Degree

 An example of how to classify cell

phones based on degree:

– Good (Motorola)
– Better (Sony)
– Best (Nokia)
Classifying by Degree

 Another example of how to classify cell

phones based on degree:

– Cheap (Cell phones without camera)

– Affordable (Cell phones with camera)
– Expensive (Cell phones with camera &
MP3 Player)
Dividing by Chronology

 You also can write classifications by

time periods

– For example, history can be divided as

1. Ancient
2. Middle Ages
3. Modern
Dividing by Chronology

 Another example of classification by

time period:

1. Past (past forms of travel)

2. Present (present forms of travel)
3. Future (future forms of travel)
Complete the Categories

 When you’re classifying, don’t leave

anyone or anything out.

 Look for obvious missing elements.

– Say the writing prompt is “What kind of students
are there in your math class?”
– You answer: “Fast and slow learners.”
– But what about the average learners?
– After all, you need three categories!
Variations within a class
 Rarely will everyone or everything fit in
perfectly in your categories.

 Then admit that there are variations and

complications in the categories.

– Although all cell phones could be classified as

being cheap or expensive, you must still find a
middle point such as “affordable” cell phones.
Use Parallel Construction
 Organize your thesis statement with
parallelism:

 “Most people respond in one of three ways:

eagerly, indifferently, or reluctantly.”

 Notice that each categorical word is in the same

grammar form: adverbs.

 Don’t mix and match the terminology!